How to Check Your IRS Refund Status: Where's My Refund Guide
You can check your IRS refund status at IRS.gov/refunds using the free "Where's My Refund?" tool. You will need your Social Security number (or ITIN), your filing status, and the exact whole-dollar refund amount from your return. For e-filed returns, status information is available within 24 hours of acceptance. Below is a complete walkthrough of how to use the tool, what each status stage means, and what to do if your status is not available.
Where's My Refund? tool
"Where's My Refund?" is the IRS's official online refund tracking tool. It is available at IRS.gov/refunds and is free to use. The tool shows the current processing status of your federal tax return and provides an estimated date for when your refund will be issued.
The tool works for the current tax year and the two prior years. If you need to check the status of an older return, you will need to contact the IRS directly.
What you need to check
Before you start, have these three pieces of information ready:
- Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN: The primary taxpayer's number (the one listed first on a joint return).
- Filing status: Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse.
- Exact refund amount: The whole-dollar amount shown on your return. For Form 1040, this is typically on Line 35a. Do not include cents.
If any of these three items do not match IRS records, the tool will not display your status. Double-check these values against your filed return or the confirmation from your tax software.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open your web browser and go to IRS.gov/refunds.
- Click the "Check My Refund Status" button.
- Enter your Social Security number or ITIN.
- Select your filing status from the dropdown menu.
- Enter your exact whole-dollar refund amount.
- Click "Submit" to view your refund status.
The results page will show one of three status stages (described below), along with any additional messages about your return.
The three refund stages
The Where's My Refund? tool tracks your refund through three stages:
- Stage 1: Return Received — The IRS has received your tax return and it is being processed. For e-filed returns, this status usually appears within 24 hours of acceptance. For paper returns, it may take several weeks.
- Stage 2: Refund Approved: The IRS has finished processing your return and approved your refund. This stage typically includes an estimated date for when the refund will be sent to your bank or mailed as a check.
- Stage 3: Refund Sent: The IRS has transmitted your refund to your bank (for direct deposit) or mailed a paper check. For direct deposit, your bank may take one to five business days to post the funds to your account after receiving them from the IRS.
The tool does not always progress smoothly through stages. If there is an issue with your return (an error, a missing form, or an identity verification request), the tool may display a message asking you to take action rather than advancing to the next stage.
IRS2Go mobile app
The IRS2Go app provides the same refund-tracking functionality as the website. It is available for free on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). The app also lets you:
- Check your refund status
- Make payments
- Find free tax preparation help near you
To check your refund in the app, tap "Check My Refund Status" and enter the same three pieces of information: SSN, filing status, and refund amount.
When to check and how often
The tool is updated once per day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times per day will not reveal new information. Here is when to start checking based on how you filed:
- E-filed returns: Check 24 hours after the IRS accepts your return.
- Paper returns: Wait at least four weeks after mailing your return before checking.
- Amended returns (Form 1040-X): Wait at least three weeks after filing. Amended returns can take up to 16 weeks to process. Use the separate "Where's My Amended Return?" tool.
What if your status is not available?
If the tool says your status is not available, it usually means one of the following:
- You checked too soon: Allow 24 hours after e-file acceptance or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
- Information mismatch: The SSN, filing status, or refund amount you entered does not match what the IRS has on file. Double-check against your return.
- Your return is under review: The IRS may be reviewing your return for errors or potential fraud. You may receive a letter requesting additional information.
- You filed an amended return: Use the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool instead of the standard refund tracker.
If the status remains unavailable for an extended period and you have not received any IRS correspondence, contact the IRS directly.
Calling the IRS directly
If you prefer to check by phone, call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954. The automated system will ask for the same information as the online tool. Be aware that wait times for a live agent can be very long during filing season.
The phone system uses the same underlying data as the online tool, so it generally cannot provide information that the website does not show. The online tool is typically faster and more convenient.
For general tax questions (not refund status), the IRS main phone number is 1-800-829-1040.
To estimate your refund before filing, try the tax refund estimator.